April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month Discover the Benefits, Planting Methods and Delicious Recipes

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month and 

Tomatoes are Low in Calories and rich in Vitamin C.

They are fun and easy to grow, indoors or outdoors.

Included:

*Nutrition Facts

*Florida Tomatoes

*10 Health Benefits of Tomatoes

*Corinne Dobbas, R.D. from Tomato Wellness

*John Denver singing "Homegrown Tomatoes" with suggestions on how to use them in your favorite recipes.
*Recipes by John Tanasychuk, Food Editor, Sun-Sentinel @FloridaEats, SUP: Florida Eats
*Resources

Nutrition Facts

Florida Tomatoes - So Delicious

Ten Health Benefits of Tomatoes
1. Tomatoes are the most concentrated food source of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that may play a role in the prevention and treatment of some cancers, such as colon, prostrate, breast, lung and pancreatic cancers.

2. Tomatoes are low in calories. One medium-sized tomato (about five ounces) has 25 calories, a great snack to include on a weight control program.

3. Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C. One-cup tomato provides about 78 percent of the daily value (DV)1. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C helps the body resist infection and aides in wound healing.

4. Tomatoes are a good source of fiber. One cup of diced tomatoes provides 7.9 percent of the DV for fiber. Studies show fiber may lower high blood cholesterol levels, aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and help an individual feel full longer.

5. One cup of tomatoes contains 22.4 percent of the DV for vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision and night blindness.

6. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium (11.4% DV per one cup). Research indicates diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension.

7. Tomatoes enhance the flavor and color of meals making food more appealing.

8. Tomatoes contain chromium; a mineral associated with helping people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

9. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin is found in tomatoes. One cup of tomatoes provides 5.1 percent of the DV for riboflavin. Studies on riboflavin show they may prevent migraines.

10. Tomatoes are a source of folate (6.8% DV per one cup). Folate has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and neurological defects in the fetus.

1 The Daily Value (DV) of foods comes from the Reference Daily Intake or Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). DV provides a frame of reference to evaluate the nutrients consumed.

Tomato Wellness – Big Red Surprise

Corinne Dobbas, R.D. gives some insight into the difference between fresh tomatoes, and tomatoes packaged as canned, paste, salsa, ketchup, marinara, etc.

Growing Tomatoes

 

Recipes
John Denver sings about "Homegrown Tomatoes" and includes
suggestions on how to use them in your favorite recipes. 

Time is ripe  by John Tanasychuk, Staff Writer, Sun-Sentinel
Tomatoes are making a comeback after Florida's winter freeze.

The article contains information on storage, handling, preparation and nutrition information. John includes 10 quick tomato recipes, including; one of my favorites, "Tomato Napoleons". To prepare cut peeled tomatoes into four crosswise slices. Layer with mascarpone cheese spiked with fresh dill and slivered smoked salmon. Serve on greens with toast. (Nutrition Information: 172 Calories; 8 g Protein; 18 g Carbohydrates; 3 g Dietary Fiber; 8 g Fat; 3.7 g Saturated Fat; 21 mg Cholesterol; 1229 IU Vitamin A; 24 mg Vitamin C; 97 IU Vitamin D ; 366 mg Potassium; 299 mg Sodium)

Resources
Florida Tomatoes
Tomato Products Wellness Council

Barley Foods For Schools

When Dayle Hayes, MS, RD gets on a combine it looks like fun.

In the photo. Dayle Hayes, MS, RD and Patrick Hayes, a barley geneticist at Oregon State University.

 

A new adventure for an extraordinary person. Dayle Hayes, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and member of the School Nutrition Association. Dayle shares and celebrates what is right with school nutrition in America. She is dedicated to improving school nutrition environments.


Dayle's latest project is Barley Foods For Schools. She is "exploring new ways to bring the whole grain deliciousness of barley foods to school breakfast and lunch programs." 

Dayle shares her interest in BARLEY FOODS FOR SCHOOLS has a family connection - her brother, Patrick Hayes. Patrick is a barley geneticist at Oregon State University. The OSU barley breeding website has a news page, especially for food barleys and recipes.

Dayle is looking for recipes, tips, or ideas that could help encourage kids to eat BARLEY. Please like and send to Barley Foods For Schools on Facebook.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Responds to Forbes Magazine

April 7, 2012 - World Health Day "Good Health Adds Life to Years"

Ageing and health - to which each and every one of us can relate - is the 2012 theme of World Health Day. Using the slogan "Good health adds life to years", campaign activities and materials focus on how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities. 

Over the past century life expectancy has increased dramatically and the world will soon have more older people than children. This social transformation represents both challenges and opportunities. In particular, countries may only have a single generation to prepare their health and social systems for an ageing world. http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2012/en/index.html

Good Health and Staying Active
Adds Life to Years

Beyond National Nutrition Month Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU

Beyond National Nutrition Month

Throughout the month of March we celebrated National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focused  attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

The March 2012 theme for National Nutrition Month® has been "Get Your Plate in Shape."  The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) helped prepare this video to review the dietary guidelines in planning healthy meals. 

Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU. 
A look at the dietary guidelines as a tool for meal planning.

National Nutrition Month Messages from the FIU SDA
Feel free to print and attach to your refrigerator.

Celebrating Green Foods National Nutrition Month

Celebrating Green Foods

Food Sources

Alfalfa, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Chives, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Edamame, Endive, Fennel, Green apples, Green Beans, Green cabbage, Green Grapes, Green Olives, Green Onion, Green Pears, Green Peas, Green Pepper, Green Tomatoes, Honeydew, Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lettuce, Limes, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Pistachios, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatillo, Wasabi, Watercress, Zucchini.

Do you know other foods that are Green?

Ways to increase Green Food Intake:
•Add spinach or broccoli when cooking pasta, rice or soup.
•Freeze green grapes for a sweet snack.
•Add thin slices of green apples or zucchini on a sandwich.

About Green Fruits and Vegetables.
Green in plants signifies the presence of the plant pigment chlorophyll. The nutrients found in these fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol levels, improve vision, enhance the immune system, and fight harmful free radicals.

Green fruits and vegetables are rich in many vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, folate, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (vitamin A). They contain phytochemicals such as luteins and indoles, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. They are high in fiber and support a healthy digestive system.

Definitions:
Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are found in plants. They are part of what gives fruits and vegetables their colors. Phytonutrients help protect plants from diseases found in the environment and protect us in a similar way. Studies have linked an increase of fruit and vegetable intake with lowering the risk of specific cancers and heart disease. The following list describes how phytonutrients may also help protect human health.
1. Act as an antioxidant.
2. Improves immune response.
3. Improves cell-to-cell communication.
4. Destroys cancer cells.
5. Repairs DNA damage caused by toxins in the environment.

Antioxidants. As the body uses oxygen, there are by-products (known as “free radicals”) that can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can prevent or slow down the damage caused by these free radicals and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants may also improve the immune defense and lower the risk of infection. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene and flavonoids.

Kermit Sings Being Green

March 11, 2012. Daylight Savings Time and Check Your Batteries Day

Daylight Saving Time (DST) 
begins and we turn our clocks ahead one hour.

“Check Your Batteries Day” A reminder to test and
replace batteries on all life saving devices, including
smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Nutrition Thoughts

As a dietitian, the word “Batteries” reminds me of the “Energy”
we need to fuel our bodies. Start each day with healthy choices
and your batteries will last longer. 

- Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RD, LDN, 

Dietitians-Online.com

National Nutrition Month   #NNM

March 8, Ag Day meets What's On MyPlate Day

Do you know where the food on your plate comes from?

USDA Webinar: Know Your Farmer
Know Your Food Compass

March 7, National Cereal Day

Sneak Preview March is National Nutrition Month Get Your Plate in Shape

March is National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The March 2012 theme for National Nutrition Month® is "Get Your Plate in Shape."

The theme explores the health benefits associated with eating foods from all the food groups and staying active. During the month of March, we will explore the food groups and their benefits. 

Our Host this year is Mary MyPlate.
She puts it all together.

Her support cast includes ..... 

and Some Surprise Friends

Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Many of the photographs are available for purchase with the proceeds going to special need young adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
http://www.wheelchair-connection.com/
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN
Jake Frank
Lance Li
Michelle Canazaro

2012 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Election

2012 National Elections for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

is open from February 1 through March 3, 2012. 

Vote now and be entered to win a free Academy Membership! Election results will be announced in early March, and elected individuals will take office beginning June 1. 

Vote and View Candidates

Be a part of the present and future of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Vote for our leaders. 

Dietitians Share Recipes and Tips to Enjoy the Super Bowl

Dietitian Rebecca Scritchfield Shares Healthy Super Bowl Foods

Katherine Tallmadge , MA, RD. Super Bowl Chili with Fresh Salsa and Guacamole 

Nicole Garza, Lubbock Fox 34, with Jennifer Gorman, Registered Dietitians, Market Street, Super Foods for Super Bowl Sunday 

Huffpost Healthy Living, Heather Bauer, RD, CDN. Five Recipes for a Healthy and Fun Super Bowl Party   

US News, Alenka Ravnik-List, registered dietitian.  Don't Fumble Your Diet on Super Bowl Sunday Expert offers game-day defense for food-filled parties   

Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD Super Bowl 46: Healthier Game Day Eats 

Susan Mitchell, PhD, RD, FADA Get Your Super Bowl Game On!

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Super Bowl Nutrition 

Registered Dietitians are Going Red for Women American Heart Association

Looking for RDs willing to participate in the Go Red for Women Campaign. The message is to tell 5 about Life’s Simple Seven (Get Active, Control Cholesterol, Eat Better, Manage Blood Pressure, Lose Weight, Reduce Blood Sugar, Stop Smoking).  

The goal is to encourage the media and consumers to look to the RD for Heart Healthy Meal Planning, Recipes & Behaviors.  

Criteria: 

 1. Must be a registered dietitian; preference males and females
 
 2. Photos 
    a. You must wear red. You can give permission to photo shop; and we
        can place you in a red outfit 
    b. Pixels: (Width x Height) 800 x 600 
    c. Full length, face forward 


 3. Full credit will be given to you and your company. Please include your
     professional email, social medial pages and websites. 


 4. Deadline February 1, 2012






Contact me at recipenews@gmail.com
Send photo via email (jpg; bmp)

Michelle Obama, a Woman of Beauty, Style, Health Advocate, and a Role Model

During the month of January, we celebrate "Healthy Weight Week," which includes helping children develop a positive body image and a healthy relationship to foods. Michelle Obama is my choice as a role model for our children.

                    -Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RD, LDN
                     Editor, Wellness News / Dietitians-Online

This is not a political message, nor is it paid for by any political parties. I did not even vote for Obama. This message is in response to the negative news stories that criticize Mrs. Obama's eating habits and her personal appearance. These stories are not accurate and send a dangerous message to our children.

Dangerous Messages

 

Body Image and Children

We can help children develop a positive body image and relate to foods in a healthy way. Here are some suggestions from Womenshealth.gov.

1. Make sure your children understand weight gain is a normal part of development, especially during puberty.

2. Avoid negative statements about food, weight and body size. Never tell your children they would be prettier and have more friends if they lost weight.

3. Allow your children to make decisions about food. Make sure plenty of healthy meals and snacks are available.

4. Compliment your children on their efforts, talents, accomplishments and personal values.

5. Encourage schools to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements.

6. Keep the lines of communication open between you and your children.

7. A parent is a role model, set an example by eating healthy and exercising.

Sarai Walker, the author of Building a Better Body Image states, "Include women of all ethnic and racial groups, age groups, sizes, abilities, and sexual orientations in your circle of friends. When we expose ourselves to the rich and varied experiences of all women, our narrow ideas about beauty and bodies often change.

Healthy Choices for 2012

A look at Healthy Alternatives
for a New Year.

Designs by
Dietitians-Online
Wellness News*
Weighing Success
Wheelchair-Connection

Customized Nutrition Education
Materials and Services

Research
Current Food and Nutrition Topics
Nutrition Analysis

Design and Maintain
Newsletters, Websites, Blogs, and Social Media Presence

Create
Food Art, Photography, Videos, Stationary, and Logos

Consult
Social Media 

*Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome,
Muscular Dystrophy). Parts of the proceeds go to
employing special need young adults.

For additional information, 
contact Dr. Sandra Frank
recipenews@gmail.com

To view services, follow the link 
http://dietitians-online.com/Services.html

Quiz: How much time does your physician spend discussing nutrition and/or your diet with you?

The following questions were created to determine your interaction and confidence in your physician on the subject of nutrition and/or dieting. In addition, based on your responses, I urge you to read the CMS decision to cover "Obesity Therapy" and sign a petition to include the Registered Dietitian (RD), as a covered practitioner. Petition http://wh.gov/DWX 






Background/Definitions

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved coverage for "Obesity Therapy." Decision: CAG-00423N. As a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist, I was pleased to hear people who suffer from obesity would be able to get assistance. However, I was surprised to learn the decision did not include the RD and would only cover the primary care physician with a specialty in family medicine, internal medicine, geriatric medicine, or pediatric medicine; or a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant.

None of the above mentioned practitioners (except the RD) have required courses in Obesity Therapy and many have limited nutrition education. The RD has the education and experience to implement an Obesity Therapy component, in addition to practitioners in the field of psychology.

Who is a Registered Dietitian?
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:
1. Earned a bachelor’s degree with course work approved by ADA’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, medical nutrition therapy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, psychology, sociology, foodservice systems management, business, computer science and economics. 
2. Completed an accredited, supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or foodservice corporation; 
3. Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration; and
4. Completes continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

Approximately 50% of RDs hold advanced degrees. Some RDs also hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as Adult Weight Management; Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management; Level 2 Adult Weight Management; pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support and diabetes education.
To learn more about the role of the RD visit http://www.eatright.org/

Quiz
1. Has your physician ever discussed nutrition and/or your diet with you?
   a. No        b. Not Sure            c. Yes

2. Has your physician ever said to you, “You need to go on a diet?”
    a. No       b. Not Sure            c. Yes

If you answered yes, please continue.
If you answered “not sure”, consider signing the petition.
 If no, you are probably in good health or you need a new doctor.

3. How much time did your physician (or nurse) spend on the following Nutrition and Dietary Assessments and Plan of Care Tools or Programs?

(1) Conduct a Dietary History 
   a. 0 to 1 minute    b. 1 minute to 3 minutes    c. Greater than 3 minutes

(2) Evaluate a Food Journal or Food Recall
   a. 0 to 1 minute    b. 1 minute to 3 minutes    c. Greater than 3 minutes

(3) Provide Diet Instructions
   a. 0 to 1 minute    b. 1 minute to 3 minutes    c. Greater than 3 minutes

(4) Teach Behavior Modification Techniques
   a. 0 to 1 minute    b. 1 minute to 3 minutes    c. Greater than 3 minutes

(5) Assist with Meal Planning 
   a. 0 to 1 minute    b. 1 minute to 3 minutes    c. Greater than 3 minutes

(6) Help with recipe modifications
   a. 0 to 1 minute    b. 1 minute to 3 minutes    c. Greater than 3 minutes


Score. Count the number of times you chose “a”, “b” and “c”. 
  a: _______            b. _______            c: ________

If you chose “a” and “b” more times than you chose “c”;
Please sign the Petition
Help Stop the Obesity Epidemic
Petition
http://wh.gov/DWX 

Conclusion
Obesity is a risk factor associated with numerous chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc). Over the last 20 years, the incidence of obesity in the U.S. has dramatically increased.

From: CDC, U.S. Obesity Trends National Obesity Trends 
“About one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese. Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high. In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-six states had a prevalence of 25% or more; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of 30% or more.”

In over 30 years as a practicing RD, I have never seen a primary care physician sit with a patient to go over a diet history, food recall, diet instruction, behavior modification, meal planning, and/or recipe modifications. My current doctor still provides diet handouts from pharmaceutical companies.

Based on the current CMS decision, the cost of Obesity will go higher, as people get larger because of inadequate "Obesity Therapy".

Please sign the Petition
Help Stop the Obesity Epidemic

Petition

http://wh.gov/DWX 

Florida State Representative Perman Welcomes Registered Dietitians in Support of Licensure

Registered dietitians, Barbara Truitt and Christina Wyatt visited with State Representative Steve Perman to discuss the importance of supporting the Dietitians / Nutritionists Licensure.
 
Perman, already a supporter offered suggestions when visiting elected officials. 

1. Public Health and Public Safety are important issues to everyone; show how supporting licensure will benefit our communities. 

2. Prior to a meeting, review elected officials’ interests and committees. Your presentation should emphasize how the RD is essential in achieving a positive outcome. 

3. Recommended meeting with the Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam. Agriculture and Nutrition have a strong relationship. Working together will benefit the people of Florida.

How RDs Benefit
Public Health and Public Safety 

A registered dietitian (RD) is governed by strict guidelines of the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association and the Florida Dietetic Association in the areas of education; internships; experiences; and continuing education requirements, in order to maintain certification. 


The education of a RD focuses on timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information. The RD is an advocate in educating the consumer, media and other health care professionals on making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The RD is a crucial member of the health care team; in assessing nutritional status, recommending appropriate plan of care, and maintaining follow-up. 


 Without licensure anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, regardless of education or training. Public health and public safety would be at risk.